Languages in Maldives

The Constitution names Dhivehi as the national language, and the National Language (Priority) Act gives Dhivehi priority in government communication and correspondence. The law does not exclude other languages when people do not speak Dhivehi. The national curriculum develops oral communication, reading and writing in Dhivehi and English. Dhivehi supports literacy, expression and cultural heritage; English is widely used for academic, professional and social purposes. The language of instruction varies by institution. The 2022 Census recorded literacy among resident Maldivians aged 10 and above at 98.6% for Dhivehi as a mother tongue and 82.6% for English, using reading and writing with understanding as the definition. English literacy was 89.5% in Malé and 77.4% in the atolls. Dhivehi literacy was 99.2% in Malé and 98.2% in the atolls. Modern foreign languages appear in the National Curriculum Framework from Key Stage 1, but no uniform nationwide list or level of access is documented. Arabic has a locally evidenced option through an MNU course for hospitality: 50 hours, hybrid delivery and a location in Kulhudhuffushi. This does not establish equal provision across the country. The Ministry of Education and the National Institute of Education provide curriculum and digital learning resources. Filaa offers free online notes, worksheets, assignments and videos in Dhivehi and English for Grade 1 through Grade 10 and above. The National Assessment of Learning Outcomes, known as NALO, takes place every three years after key stages. In 2025, the assessment covered 5,100 students in 201 schools; English, mathematics and science were assessed first for Key Stage 3, followed by Dhivehi and Islam. It was the first assessment on this scale to measure Dhivehi writing ability. Early-learning support announced on 11 December 2025 included 15 Dhivehi children's books in print and digital formats for government schools. Formal English study includes the Island Institute of Tertiary Education's Certificate 3 in English Language. It is an MNQF Level 3 qualification with 40 credits, lasts 15 weeks, uses English as the medium and offers full-time face-to-face or e-learning study. Its accreditation period runs from 15 August 2024 to 15 August 2029. Maldives Polytechnic offers a Certificate 2 in Basic English Skills at MNQF Level 2 with 30 credits over 10 weeks of full-time face-to-face study. Formal programmes in the Maldives therefore range from about 10 weeks to three years. Maldives National University, or MNU, offers a Diploma in Dhivehi Language at MNQF Level 5. The programme lasts one year over two semesters, is full-time and held in the evening in Malé. Entry can require two GCE Advanced Level subjects or HSC together with Dhivehi proficiency, a related Level 4 qualification or an MNU Certificate 4. An alternative may combine an unrelated Level 4 qualification with a Maldives Qualifications Authority university-preparation programme, or require age 20 or above, secondary education, two years of relevant work experience and preparation study. Admission is not automatic. A minimum of 10 participants applies to certificate and diploma classes, so postponement or cancellation can affect availability. MNU also offers a BA in Dhivehi Language at MNQF Level 7, lasting three years over six semesters, with a published course fee of MVR 40,050 and certified Dhivehi proficiency for entry. Related work can include language services, writing, journalism and teaching. The Maldives Qualifications Authority accredits qualifications, while MNU and other institutions set their own admission rules, fees and delivery arrangements. MNU fees vary, and international students are charged twice the local fee according to MNU information. Several formal opportunities are concentrated in Malé, although MNU also has other campuses and hybrid options. Island location, minimum class sizes, intake dates and proficiency requirements can therefore affect access. No general state-imposed Dhivehi integration requirement for foreign adults is evidenced in the available national research. IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is an external examination available in the Maldives through the British Council. Candidates need an identity card or passport; applicants under 18 need parental consent, and the test is not recommended for people under 16. A published 2026 example price is MVR 4,350 for Academic or General Training and MVR 4,750 for UKVI. Free online and app-based preparation is available. School-level English and Dhivehi examinations may follow Cambridge IGCSE or related arrangements, including English as a Second Language syllabus 0510 and Dhivehi Language syllabus 9200, but the available examination request does not establish one identical procedure for every school. Language requirements at work depend on the employer and position. For example, an Island Aviation Services vacancy published on 29 July 2026 asked for at least three GCE O' Level subjects including English, Dhivehi and mathematics, together with written and spoken communication in both languages. That is a requirement for the stated vacancy, not a general legal language requirement for every job. The National Careers Service and job notices can show the language level expected for a particular occupation.